The Great War for Empire (and other poorly named conflicts)

Mercantilism creates conflict for the colonies

Competing Forces

Between the years 1689-1763, four major wars resulted from European colonization and competition.

As England, France and Spain attempted to enact their mercantile policies, the proximity of their colonial possessions made conflict inevitable.

These conflicts often included North American colonists and Native populations (Iroquois and Algonquin).

King William's War (1689-1697)

This conflict was part a larger European war. It was also known as the Nine Years' War or the War of the Grand Alliance or War of League of Augsburg. Primarily, the fight began over French expansion in Europe.

In the colonies, it was fought between the colonists and New France. The fighting took place in Acadia and Northern New England. The Iroquois Confederacy was dragged into the fight on the side of the British.

War ended with no clear winner. Status quo re-established among Europeans - fighting continued between French and Iroquois

Queen Anne's War (1702-1713)Five years later unresolved issues re-surfaced in another European conflict. Also known as the War of Spanish Succession, this fight evolved out the potential union of Spain and France monarchies.

In the North America, it pitted the colonists versus the Spanish in the carolinas and the French in New England (again). The French and Spanish gained significant Algonguin support during this conflict. The Iroquois Confederacy sided with the colonists due to involvement of Algonguins.

The Treaty of Utrecht (1713) established an armistice and some exchange of territory in North America.

King George's War (1744-1748)

In North America, the fighting was isolated to New England. It was relatively brief, but rather devastating that resulted in some territorial gains in Canada. These lands were given back in peace treaty.

War included larger involvement of both Iroquois and Algonguin tribes.

Twenty-nine years of relative peace ended after a naval skirmish between Spain and England (War of Jenkins Ear). This isolated fight merged with a larger conflict between monarchs in Europe (War of Austrian Succession).

The French and Indian War (1754-1763)

Fighting spills into Europe and the rest of the war. In Europe, it is often referred to as the Seven Years' War.

The first conflict that originated in North America. French and Virginia claims over frontier territory (Ohio Valley) erupted outside the French outpost called Fort Duquesne. Virginian "surveyors" were captured after the Jumonville Affair and the fall of their hastily built Fort Necessity on July 3, 1754.

Colonies Unite! Uh . . . Guys?

With open conflict in North America in 1754, a meeting of colonial leaders took place in Albany, NY to discuss a common defense.

With the blessing of the British crown, every colony was invited to attend the Albany Congress. Even representatives of the Iroquois Confederacy came to discuss their role in defending against the French.

Benjamin Franklin arrived in Albany with draft for a plan to unite the colonies under one government.